Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Pupils in Mod mood
Senior pupils at Gartcosh Primary showcased their impressive Gaelic skills at their very own ‘mini Mod’.
Youngsters from P5- 7 staged two busy shows packed with songs, poems and plays in the language, as well as traditional dances and music.
Their performances – for a combined audience of more than 180 parents, friends and special guests – were timed to coincide with the annual Royal National Mod taking place in the Western Isles.
Starting each show in style was bagpiper Stephen Craig, the school’s janitor; while each rendition of the mini Mod was officially declared open with a Gaelic declaration by two grandfathers of Gartcosh pupils, each coincidentally originally from North Uist.
Talented pupils then showed the results of their hard work in rehearsals both in class and at afterschool clubs; including a group dance created with the help of experts from Rosebank dance school, and a reel played by the trumpet group, led by teacher Grant Golding.
Each show concluded with a performance of Caledonia from the school’s parent, carer and staff choir, before the audience joined in with all the performers to sing the grand finale, Loch Lomond.
Teacher Rachel Neilly told the Advertiser: “With the Mod taking place in Stornoway, we decided to bring it to us as it was a great opportunity to show their learning. We’re very proud of the pupils – their performances were incredible and they really enjoyed being on stage. Their enthusiasm has been fantastic, not just in taking part in class but outside school too. They really demonstrated their commitment at afterschool classes. It was our first mini Mod and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.”